Kean University Receives State Grant to Support Student Teachers in High-Poverty School Districts

Kean University’s College of Education has received a $375,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) to help increase diversity in the state’s teacher workforce by funding full tuition for 10 student teachers working in high-poverty school districts. 

The grant awarded to Kean, a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, will support student teachers in the North Plainfield School District during the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters. It was awarded to a Kean faculty team led by Assistant Professor Alex Guzman, Ed.D., of the Department of Educational Leadership and Secondary Education. 

In addition, a portion of funding will support 15 to 20 new, non-tenured teachers already working in North Plainfield classrooms, covering costs such as state-mandated certification, mentoring fees and stipends for ongoing professional development. 

“Kean University’s goal is to recruit, support and retain teachers in high-need schools by reducing financial barriers, strengthening culturally responsive preparation and building mentoring networks,” Guzman said.  

The project builds on work done through a DOE Minority Teacher Development Grant received by Kean during the past two years, which focused on developing teacher leaders of color to strengthen recruitment and retention plans for the North Plainfield district. 

Along with covering tuition, the student teachers will receive equity training and professional development in culturally responsive pedagogy. The non-tenured teachers already in classrooms will receive an extra year of mentoring – the state requires only one year for new teachers, Guzman said. 

“Research shows that teachers often leave the profession in the first four years due to isolation, lack of mentorship and systemic inequities,” Guzman said. “This program addresses the root causes of early attrition and builds capacity for long-term retention.” 

North Plainfield was chosen to partner with Kean based on need, student demographics and interest in diversifying the teacher workforce. 

Kean University Senior Vice President for Entrepreneurial Education Initiatives and Acting Dean of the College of Education, Sancha K. Gray, Ed.D., said the grant enhances Kean’s existing work and reflects the University’s commitment to building the educator workforce and improving retention. 

“The College of Education is proud of our work preparing educators from all backgrounds for successful teaching careers,” Gray said. “Through this and other efforts, we are making an important difference in the lives of children in New Jersey.” 

In addition to Guzman, the grant was developed by Kean adjunct faculty member David Antunes, Ed.D.; Assistant Professor Madji Fall, Ph.D.; and Assistant Professor Eleni Zgourou, Ed.D., all of the College of Education. 

The program includes a robust evaluation plan with findings used to inform best practices, support continuous improvement and develop scalable strategies that other districts can follow, Guzman said.